Production potential and logistics of biomass feedstocks for biofuels

Abstract

Intensive biofuel production and utilization require an adequate and sustainable supply of biomass feedstocks. Globally, net terrestrial primary production is estimated at 56 × 1015 g C yr−1, storing 2.2 × 1021 J bioenergy in the annually synthesized biomass. Approximately 8.7% of this primary production can be sustainably used for energy purposes to meet 34% of the current human energy demand. Sustainable bioenergy feedstocks extend to feasible portion of food grains, crop residues, dedicated energy crops, forest debris, animal manures, and domestic organic waste. To transfer biomass feedstocks from the production field to biorefinery plants, an array of unit operations are involved, including harvesting, drying, transportation, densification, storage, and pre-processing. Machineries and equipments have been developed to implement the feedstock logistics. The overall biomass handling cost accounts for 35–50% of the total biomass production budget. Biomass logistics are a critical component in a biofuel production system and an essential part of the bioenergy supply chain. Technological advancement is warranted to improve the efficiency of biomass feedstock logistics.